Does it bother you when "strangers" post?

[distracts]

I went a while last year where I posted in RT a lot trying to help people, even though I don't know as much as the old-timers. I stopped because, basically, people who didn't know much blasting their opinions everywhere was a headache to read. For instance, there was one poster who would recommend AVCs to anyone, regardless of what they were looking for. "Oh, you want a D-color marquise? How about an L AVC? AVCs are the best and all others suck!" arrrrrrrgh. I like AVCs! They are very pretty stones! But not everyone wants to buy one! I don't mind at all people who are new who seem to know what they are talking about, even when they get in spats with established members. The spats are often quite informative.

On the flipside, as a newer person, it is really, REALLY annoying to hear all the oldtimers going on about how so much knowledge has been lost, posters don't know this or that about diamonds like we used to, WITHOUT LINKING TO OLD THREADS THAT CONTAIN THAT KNOWLEDGE. Like seriously guys. How can those of us who are newer learn it if no one posts it? I have concluded that this "lost knowledge" is a myth.

 

[ruby59]

Distracts, there have been some great discussions in the past between vendors and the real old posters, many of whom are gone.

When going into a post, to the right of your screen you will see a list of posts with similar themes. I have found that reading them enhances the current topic because I do agree, that while I still like PS, the depth of knowledge portrayed in many of the old discussions is just not the same anymore.

As far as new posters identifying themselves, two delurked. One was totally ignored and another only received one response.

I read all of the posts by the so called persona to see if there was any shilling for one particular vendor. I did not see anything but someone responding to questions with no hint of an agenda that I can see, which is what RT should be. The guy seems to be knowledgable and friendly in his responses, and exactly what RT needs since most of the professionals have bailed. I hope he was not driven away.

And just to add in response to the poster pushing AVR's, to be honest I do not see how that is any different then when someone comes on asking about a particular diamond from a local vendor and he is immediately referred to one of the three or so PS sellers.

 

[distracts]

Ah, I have that sidebar turned off because it too frequently gets in the way of pictures, especially when I'm browsing on my phone.

 

[Smith1942]

It's a public form so anyone can steam in and say what they want. I think for this reason it never occurred to me to feel bothered. We all know that the Internet is an unregulated environment. But I don't get involved in RT much as an advice-giver because I don't know that much about diamonds. Therefore I don't know the situation with the poster that the OP is referring to.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Frankly, I don't even care about misinformation or people recommending the same things over and over again .. doesn't really bother me and I like that people are trying to help each other. I am bothered by the lack of personality of one individual which leads me to think they are actually someone else trying to pretend to be someone. That's all. Sorry if I stirred up hostile feelings with others.

 

[aviastar]

So, I think what was intended here (correct me, Charmy, if this is wrong) was a discussion of trolling, not actually a discussion about newbies. Yes? No? Maybe?

Undeclared trade status, banned posters, fake personas, shilling...these are a very different topics than new poster etiquette. I do agree that one of the first signs of the aforementioned issues can be, in some cases, (how's that for general and non specific ?) a low post count - a drive by trolling so to speak.

But if the info presented is correct, good, kind, what-have-you and not shilling for specific vendors and it also happens to be a post under #100, well then, I tend to try and not look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

[Von03]

I am most certainly a lurker more than a true participating poster. I have read thru many threads and can say that at times,the vibe is not welcoming or if you say one wrong thing, or what others may feel is wrong ( which can easily happen on the Internet) all kinds of chaos can happen. I wonder if anyone else feels its a bit of the "popular crowd" feeling? I personally do, which makes me feel standoffish. These are just my own thoughts. I feel this is a public forum and all should feel free to participate with advice, or questions, regardless of how long they have been a member.

 

[VRBeauty]

Frankly, I don't even care about misinformation or people recommending the same things over and over again .. doesn't really bother me and I like that people are trying to help each other. I am bothered by the lack of personality of one individual which leads me to think they are actually someone else trying to pretend to be someone. That's all. Sorry if I stirred up hostile feelings with others.

The lack of personality???

I know you have the best of intentions, but that just comes of sounding really really bad, like posters have to post information about themselves in order to participate in a RT discussion... or maybe it's any PS discussion?

I've seen some guys who go through -and learn - through the whole engagement ring thing, and then hang around and start offering input to other newbies. Sometimes it's very opinionated input that maybe goes against most PS norms, and that they also feel compelled to defend to the death. It's like PS is their new toy and they're gonna play for awhile. We don't know anything about them other than they bought a ring not too long ago... and I think that's alright. It's the buyer's responsibility to ask themselves how reliable this poster might be, especially if they're relying primarily on one individual's input. They can check other posts and other threads - it doesn't take long to figure out which posters seem to be thoughtful in their advice, which throw out opinions without any supporting information, and which seem to have an axe to grind. For better or worse, most of the "new toy" posters don't hang around for long, probably because they're also getting roped into wedding planning duties.

I digress.

I can see why a newcomer would refrain from posting if they believe that their input is going to be judged on something other than it's own merit... like if they've disclosed enough about themselves and their "personality" passes muster. If you're concerned about the advice a particular poster is giving, and it's not a reportable thing, the best response is probably to add your two cents' worth to the discussion. (I know you do that Charmy, that was just a general observation.)

 

[CharmyPoo]

VRBeauty - I am unable to describe this situation with proper words so I will back off now instead of making it worse. It is obvious that with my multiple attempts to better explain it ... I am still seriously failing in describing this one situation. The concern is not about "opinions", "misinformation", "newbies" etc. A few in this thread have seen this poster in action and hopefully they can put in words what I cannot. I also digress ... I hope no one is getting scared off from posting which is not the intention of this thread.

 

[CharmyPoo]

So, I think what was intended here (correct me, Charmy, if this is wrong) was a discussion of trolling, not actually a discussion about newbies. Yes? No? Maybe?

Undeclared trade status, banned posters, fake personas, shilling...these are a very different topics than new poster etiquette. I do agree that one of the first signs of the aforementioned issues can be, in some cases, (how's that for general and non specific ?) a low post count - a drive by trolling so to speak.

Yes and no. This person is not a troll which I believe has malicious intentions. This person does not have bad intentions and isn't really doing anything wrong (ie. shilling, etc). In my opinion, more like a ban poster who doesn't want to leave and is coming back. As I type this, I come to realize that I am only bothered because I think there is something dishonest there and not actually anything to do with his actions. In fact, he is doing nothing "wrong" so I shouldn't be bothered at all.

Anyways, this topic seems beaten to death and talking about something completely different than I intended. Continue .. happy ... smiles. I will hide back away from starting threads in the hangout.

 

[AGBF]

I am most certainly a lurker more than a true participating poster. I have read thru many threads and can say that at times,the vibe is not welcoming or if you say one wrong thing, or what others may feel is wrong ( which can easily happen on the Internet) all kinds of chaos can happen. I wonder if anyone else feels its a bit of the "popular crowd" feeling? I personally do, which makes me feel standoffish. These are just my own thoughts. I feel this is a public forum and all should feel free to participate with advice, or questions, regardless of how long they have been a member.

Please, please feel free to post, Von03. I really think that one certain poster, whose intent may have been different from that of most people joining Pricescope, set off this thread. You are most welcome here, I assure you!

Hugs,
Deb/AGBF

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The presence of "strangers" doesn't bother me nearly as much as the lack of presence of the PS vendors who make the prosumers do all of the advising. Few of them (vendors, I mean) even put in an appearance nowadays except to defend themselves when some disappointed customer is on here spilling the beans. If this is going to be the new norm, then I think that one annual paltry "gift" of $500 or $1000 or whatever to just ONE prosumer is far too stingy. I think that's why a lot of the old members drifted away, too: Lack of appreciation for all the work done and assistance provided.

Personally, I don't care if I win anything or not. If you notice, I stick to generalizations and I rarely ever recommend any specific diamond to anyone. I refuse to do the vendors' work for them, for no pay.

I'm just not catching up on this thread, so maybe someone else has already replied. But vendors were never allowed to comment on other vendor's stones. It was only on the rare occasions that someone posts an image that can't be identified from a particular vendor that a vendor could comment. I don't think there was ever any intent for vendors to work the forum. I think that kind of forum is much more pushy, in fact. I have enjoyed vendor debates on cut in the past, but so much of that territory has been covered. The other factor is that these vendors all have very successful businesses and I can't imagine them having time to hang out on a forum! I know some have such a massive amount of emails that that keeps them very busy in itself!

I hope none who post on RT are doing so with any thought of some reward. I do it because it is my hobby and I enjoy it. When I help someone find a diamond or setting and they end up happy, then that is all the appreciation needed! I cannot believe anyone would have left the forum because of some perceived lack of appreciation. If so, they were doing it for the wrong reason!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So, I think what was intended here (correct me, Charmy, if this is wrong) was a discussion of trolling, not actually a discussion about newbies. Yes? No? Maybe?

Undeclared trade status, banned posters, fake personas, shilling...these are a very different topics than new poster etiquette. I do agree that one of the first signs of the aforementioned issues can be, in some cases, (how's that for general and non specific ?) a low post count - a drive by trolling so to speak.

Yes and no. This person is not a troll which I believe has malicious intentions. This person does not have bad intentions and isn't really doing anything wrong (ie. shilling, etc). In my opinion, more like a ban poster who doesn't want to leave and is coming back. As I type this, I come to realize that I am only bothered because I think there is something dishonest there and not actually anything to do with his actions. In fact, he is doing nothing "wrong" so I shouldn't be bothered at all.

Anyways, this topic seems beaten to death and talking about something completely different than I intended. Continue .. happy ... smiles. I will hide back away from starting threads in the hangout.

Charmy, yes, I was thinking maybe it was a banned poster who had come back with a new identity. Or either it is a trade person not identifying themselves as such. But the person seems like they have been here a long time. So probably the former.

And you start all the threads you want! I got what you were getting at right away!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, wow, there is soooo much misunderstanding in this thread! Charmy is talking about someone who is suspicious because they give advice as if they have been here a long, long time, but they are new. They know about the HCA and other things that really are only known to PS veterans. They post strong opinions. I am sure they are probably a former member who has returned here under another name.

 

[aviastar]

So, I think what was intended here (correct me, Charmy, if this is wrong) was a discussion of trolling, not actually a discussion about newbies. Yes? No? Maybe?

Undeclared trade status, banned posters, fake personas, shilling...these are a very different topics than new poster etiquette. I do agree that one of the first signs of the aforementioned issues can be, in some cases, (how's that for general and non specific ?) a low post count - a drive by trolling so to speak.

Yes and no. This person is not a troll which I believe has malicious intentions. This person does not have bad intentions and isn't really doing anything wrong (ie. shilling, etc). In my opinion, more like a ban poster who doesn't want to leave and is coming back. As I type this, I come to realize that I am only bothered because I think there is something dishonest there and not actually anything to do with his actions. In fact, he is doing nothing "wrong" so I shouldn't be bothered at all.

Anyways, this topic seems beaten to death and talking about something completely different than I intended. Continue .. happy ... smiles. I will hide back away from starting threads in the hangout.

Fair point, and well reasoned- I agree trolls do tend to have a more malicious intent. Still a very interesting discussion; another forum I read has a huge problem with 'trolls', i.e. multiple accounts per user, fake personas and it did make me think about posts over here. I am notoriously terrible at identifying stuff like this, but I assume it happens on all forums to some extent. It's amazing to me that other people are so accurate with calling these posters out- you must be much more observant than I am! This thread may have veered from the original course you'd hoped to set, but please don't let that stop you from starting conversations!

 

[junebug17]

I understand what you're talking about Charmy, and I just checked and this particular poster is currently not approved. I think it's possible this poster is a banned member under another name, which I mentioned in my first post. I guess it was hard to explain because you had to be somewhat cryptic, and unless someone consistently follows threads in RT they might not know what you're specifically referring to. Don't let this keep you from starting threads - It was just a misunderstanding!

 

[AGBF]

I guess it was hard to explain because you had to be somewhat cryptic, and unless someone consistently follows threads in RT they might not know what you're specifically referring to.

Don't let this keep you from starting threads - It was just a misunderstanding!

A very hearty second to that statement, Charmy! Being knowledgeable about diamonds as you are should not be a barrier to posting in Hangout! There are some other regular posters here who are diamond experts like you. We Hangout types have managed to accept them here!!!

Big hugs,
Deb

 

[Boatluvr]

Hi - newbie/lurker who is too intimated to post much of anything at all because of some of the snarky comments from some of the posters. I have loved diamonds most of my life and have a few - nothing impressive, just a couple of smallish rings. I have 'lurked' here for almost 18 months and never before saw a post that stated something along the lines of who are you, why are you here and what the heck to you know about diamonds. Well, thanks to a lot of you guys I know a whole lot more than I did 18 months ago and could probably recommend some pretty good options if I wasn't so intimidated!

Having said that - I love sailboats (maybe even more than I love diamonds) hence the name 'Boatluvr'. I have a lot of pretty nice jewelry and I'm in awe of what I see here! I am usually thinking to myself, wow! I wish I could have something half as big as that one (Holly?). I taught my niece (who is graduating from college) to say 'DIAMONDS' in response to "What is a girl's best friend (AGBF!)? when she was two.

Do I feel 'welcome' here and ever post anything except a short response on Hangout - sadly, no.

Chris

 

[ruby59]

I understand what you're talking about Charmy, and I just checked and this particular poster is currently not approved. I think it's possible this poster is a banned member under another name, which I mentioned in my first post. I guess it was hard to explain because you had to be somewhat cryptic, and unless someone consistently follows threads in RT they might not know what you're specifically referring to. Don't let this keep you from starting threads - It was just a misunderstanding!

I had commented based on the knowledge that I was certain I knew who you ladies were referring to. But he is still approved to post. So I might have jumped the gun on my responses to this thread.

 

[AGBF]

Do I feel 'welcome' here and ever post anything except a short response on Hangout - sadly, no.

Hey there, Chris, would you feel more welcome if I sent you a cake? Serious offer, although I can't make one to every newcomer. You just happened to say the magic word with "AGBF". My offer is serious and will induct you into The Pricescopers' Exclusive In-Club. Then you can snub newbies and treat people like trash the way the rest of us oldtimers like to do. (Please, Lord, let Chris have a well developed sense of humor and know that I really do not treat anyone with disrespect.)

The cake offer is genuine, though.

Hugs,
Deb/AGBF
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

 

[Boatluvr]

Hi Deb!

Thanks for the offer! After reading my post I cringed at a couple of typos - when will I ever learn to proof read? Thanks for the offer of cake - I truly appreciate it! I'm not much of a 'sweet - tooth' so I'll decline your offer - with many thanks! I was reading the post about 'let's see what PSers really looked like and the thread that referred to 'how did you get your screen names' - yours is quite clever - which is how I found out what your 'handle' means.

Thanks for making me feel a bit more welcome. One of these days I may venture into RT.

OP - sorry for the threadjack.

Chris

P.S. - If you can't laugh at yourself, you really need an attitude adjustment. My sense of humor may be a bit twisted, but it's well developed!

 

[AGBF]

Thanks for making me feel a bit more welcome. One of these days I may venture into RT.

You're welcome. I hope you venture into Rocky Talky soon and without fear. There is really no one there to fear! The greatest experts are usually very humble people who know how much they know and have nothing to prove. I am thinking about people like Dave Atlas. I can't remember him getting into a screaming match with anyone. But then I haven't been there in years. If Dave Atlas has turned into a screamer, someone please let me now. I shall return to Rocky Talky to see the show.

Deb

 

[CharmyPoo]

Group Hug!!!!!!!!!! New members ... please post and join in on the fun. If you don't start some where, we never get started. I know how intimating it is to join a new forum. I have a good laugh going back at my own posts.

 

[SB621]

So, I think what was intended here (correct me, Charmy, if this is wrong) was a discussion of trolling, not actually a discussion about newbies. Yes? No? Maybe?

Undeclared trade status, banned posters, fake personas, shilling...these are a very different topics than new poster etiquette. I do agree that one of the first signs of the aforementioned issues can be, in some cases, (how's that for general and non specific ?) a low post count - a drive by trolling so to speak.

Yes and no. This person is not a troll which I believe has malicious intentions. This person does not have bad intentions and isn't really doing anything wrong (ie. shilling, etc). In my opinion, more like a ban poster who doesn't want to leave and is coming back. As I type this, I come to realize that I am only bothered because I think there is something dishonest there and not actually anything to do with his actions. In fact, he is doing nothing "wrong" so I shouldn't be bothered at all.

Anyways, this topic seems beaten to death and talking about something completely different than I intended. Continue .. happy ... smiles. I will hide back away from starting threads in the hangout.

Sorry Charmy I went out of town for a few days and I'm just getting back on line. Sorry if this has already been covered as I'm not reading all the responses but I just wanted to say I totally understand the intent of this post and why you voiced them. I have been on PS since 2007 or 2008 and lurked for a year before that. So 5-7 YEARS later I'm still trying to figure out some of the acros and advice on RT. When this person just "appeared" one day knowing what ACA, HCA, VC etc etc etc means it always make me wonder how they adjusted to the learning curve of PS so quickly. Rome wasn't built in a day and it took me months to learn to speak PS...just saying.

And with that you start all the threads you want. I enjoy reading your posts. Forget the pie and cake. I'll send you wine- perhaps then you will post even more!

 

[kenny]

I'm not the type who'd notice a person never posted personal info; there are thousands of posters here and hundreds of regular ones.

I'm really curious who this person is and surfing around rocky talk has not revealed it to me.

I realize nobody is going to name a person but how bout a couple hints?

Could you name a thread in which this person has posted?
How bout a post count range like 50-250?
Did they register in 2013? 2012?

 

[kenny]

I'm not the type who'd notice a person never posted personal info; there are thousands of posters here and hundreds of regular ones.

I'm really curious who this person is and surfing around rocky talk has not revealed it to me.

I realize nobody is going to name a person but how bout a couple hints?

Could you name a thread in which this person has posted?
How bout a post count range like 50-250?
Did they register in 2013? 2012?

Bump.
No hints?

 

[Dancing Fire]

I'm not the type who'd notice a person never posted personal info; there are thousands of posters here and hundreds of regular ones.

I'm really curious who this person is and surfing around rocky talk has not revealed it to me.

I realize nobody is going to name a person but how bout a couple hints?

Could you name a thread in which this person has posted?
How bout a post count range like 50-250?
Did they register in 2013? 2012?

Bump.
No hints?

I have no idea.. Kenny,the girls don't tell us anything..

 

[kenny]

I'm not the type who'd notice a person never posted personal info; there are thousands of posters here and hundreds of regular ones.

I'm really curious who this person is and surfing around rocky talk has not revealed it to me.

I realize nobody is going to name a person but how bout a couple hints?

Could you name a thread in which this person has posted?
How bout a post count range like 50-250?
Did they register in 2013? 2012?

Bump.
No hints?

I have no idea.. Kenny,the girls don't tell us anything..

Oh the plight of us poor men ...

"We're supposed to just KNOW!?

or

"Well, if you don't know I'm NOT going to tell you."

 

[Dreamer_D]

And just to add in response to the poster pushing AVR's, to be honest I do not see how that is any different then when someone comes on asking about a particular diamond from a local vendor and he is immediately referred to one of the three or so PS sellers.

If people posting in RT read the Prosumer Guidelines sticky at the top of the page, this type of thing would not happen so often. I agree it is a problem .

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rockytalky-prosumer-guidelines.145983/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rockytalky-prosumer-guidelines.145983/[/URL]

 

[Dreamer_D]

Group Hug!!!!!!!!!! New members ... please post and join in on the fun. If you don't start some where, we never get started. I know how intimating it is to join a new forum. I have a good laugh going back at my own posts.

Exactly!

It takes work in life to join any social group. Everyone is new at one point, and the only way to no longer be new is to just keep on posting all the time everywhere. Eventually, other people will get to "know" you and you will have interactions, and one day you to will get your super snazzy "PS club" ring!